German general practitioners' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected their patient care: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

General practitioners (GPs) play a significant role in providing medical care to patients affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Little is known about the impact of the pandemic on patient care from the perspective of GPs.

Objectives

To gain insight into GPs' experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on patient care in Germany.

Methods

From August to December 2020, qualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 22 GPs from four randomly selected federal states in Germany. We analysed the data according to Kuckartz's method of content analysis.

Results

Five themes emerged: changes in healthcare system, practice routines, patient care, personal life, and improving health crisis preparedness. Communication

SUBMITTER: Makowski L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10249445 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature